SPUD FEST Board Members were present to donate $7,500 to Special Olympics in September. Pictured are (front) Spud Fest committee members Jason and Amber Lankki. Standing from left to right are Nick Paine, Charlean Albright, George Quinn, Mike Miessen of the Monticello Mavericks, Spud Fest committee members Don Orrock and Jim Jensen. (Submitted photo).

The donation was made to the Monticello Mavericks, the vast majority of whom are challenged athletes from the Big Lake area.

“It was awesome,” said Spud Fest Committee Member George Quinn, who attended the presentation at River City Lanes in Monticello. “They all applauded and came up and hugged us afterwards. It was quite emotional,” he said.

The Mavericks play softball, bocce ball and baseball in Big Lake, among other activities.

The funds help defray expenses for Special Olympics, which includes transportation costs and nursing staff. The majority of the donation will fund scholarships for athletes who would not otherwise be able to compete.